Mimi McPartlan is a BFA graduate of Alfred University, 2012, and currently is a resident and instructor at the Philadelphia Clay Studio. She is an emerging figure in the studio ceramic designer genre, hand-producing slip cast pots balancing function, design, and concept.
Above Image: Mimi McPartlan, Wanderlust Series, 2014.
McPartlan’s newest design series titled “Wanderlust,” is simultaneously elegant and upsetting. The simple form of the objects is disrupted by the decoration, intended to make them appear permanently used and unwashed. First, this evokes a disappointing reminder of the dishes at home waiting to be cleaned, but is followed by a surprising sense of liberation. Wanderlust is guilt-free designer dinnerware that doesn’t require a special occasion for use or judge you when you neglect to wash it for days on end.
The transient nature of functional pots, constantly traveling from the cabinet, to the table, to the dishwasher, and back, is interrupted by the unkempt look, causing them to appear stuck in the most undesirable phase of the journey. The title word, “wanderlust,” is a uniquely human emotion exemplified though the performance of these lifeless ceramic objects. This personification hints that perhaps the series is a psyche self-portrait of the artist or an encouraging reminder to the user to keep moving forward.
Closer inspection of McPartlan’s objects reveals the “dirtiness” as an elegant fluid design, like ink dripped in water, evoking feelings of mystery and ephemerality. These pleasant details juxtapose the uncomfortable stained first impressions of the work. The decorated functional forms reference a vague retro style, but the tray setting is more directly inspired by TV dinners or fold-out airplane trays. The “Wanderlust” series is layered with feelings of nostalgia, disgust and comfort – a combination to ensure a complex emotional dining experience.
Justin Crowe is CFile’s writer-at-large and will be reporting from Europe in the coming months.
All images from the “Wanderlust” series, 2014, by Mimi McPartlan. Images courtesy of the artist.
Good article. I think the pieces are very elegant. And I like that they also reflect TV dinners and plastic airplane food containers. As well, of course, as dirty dishes.